A network topology is the layout of a network—how devices are connected to one another both physically and logically.
Networks are made up of two main types of hardware:
Hosts: The end devices using the network (computers, servers, phones, laptops).
Network Components: Devices that sit in the middle (routers, switches, bridges) to direct traffic and make sure data gets from host A to host B.
The topology you choose determines what hardware you need to buy and how data is allowed to travel across the system.
